By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

SAND ROCK – Sand Rock senior softball player Emma Sipsy has played every position there is on the diamond except catcher, and she’s even willing to give that a try.

That’s the type of team player Sipsy has been throughout her softball career, and it’s something Calhoun Community College coach Denton Bowling took note of when he was scouting Sipsy. He offered her a scholarship, which she signed on Monday.

A Class 2A first-team designated hitter by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, Sipsy batted .477 with 11 home runs, 16 doubles, three triples, 15 walks, 21 stolen bases, 53 runs, and 50 RBIs for the Lady Wildcats (23-21-1) last season. She’s also been one of the Lady Wildcats’ top pitchers.

“I’m very excited to see what it holds for me,” Sipsy said. “It’s a relief knowing I have somewhere to go and someone who wants me to play. I want to show them what I can do.”

Sand Rock softball coach Josh Bates said Sipsy has that ‘it’ factor.

“I’ve been doing this a long time. She’s one I knew early on who would have that opportunity if she wanted it,” Bates said. “She’s worked hard to develop into the player she wanted to be.

“She’s very versatile. She’s got a great bat. She’s a threat any time she steps in the box, and she can play anywhere on the field. She’s stepped into some big roles to help us at different times. We’re extremely proud of her and her accomplishments and we’re just excited to see what she’s going to do at the next level.”

Sipsy said she enjoys being a versatile player. She knew that eventually help her chances of landing a college scholarship, which has always been a dream of hers.

“When you get to the college level you know you’re not the best. There are people better than you, but being versatile, you can just go and play a different position, even though that may not be where you started,” Sipsy said. “(Bowling) said I would be playing the corners and pitching some, just really where he needs me. I’m open to playing anywhere.”

It’s also a comfort to Sipsy that she already knows a few of her future teammates.

“I played with a few of them in the North-South All-Star Game,” she said. “They’re all really good athletes and hard workers.”

Sipsy said she’s also thankful to her Sand Rock teammates for helping her get to next level.

“I’m very grateful for my seniors, Molly Grace (Lay), Raven (Todd) and Maddie Clanton. They’ve stuck it all the way through from seventh grade until now, and I’m glad I get to experience my senior year with them. I’m also grateful to the underclassmen who try hard and work hard like I do.”

Bates said Sipsy should be a “good fit” for Calhoun, just like she’s been for the Lady Wildcats.

“I think they’re going to benefit from her,” he said. “(Coach Bowling) saw her a few times and really liked what he saw. He’s excited to get her. I told him from the get go she can do anything you want her to do. She’ll help your team. She’s a quality person and a great teammate.

“It’s bittersweet for us. You know what she’s meant to the program, what she brings, how she’s helped our team and the legacy she leaves. These younger kids look up to her and strive to be like her. It’s going to be tough when that day comes at the end of the season when we lose her all our seniors.”